Toner Cartridge Auger and Pivot Mount for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner cartridges do not effectively convey toner in the axial direction of the agitator shaft and lack a secure fixing mechanism during attachment to the developing unit.
Innovation Solution
The toner cartridge incorporates an agitator for conveying toner in the axial direction and includes first and second protrusions that fit into grooves in the developing unit, allowing the cartridge to be pivoted into position, ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an auger is added to convey toner along the axial direction, then toner conveyance capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is integrated with the agitator assembly, combining two toner conveyance functions (radial conveyance by agitator and axial conveyance by auger) into a single structural unit. This merging allows the toner cartridge to convey toner in both radial and axial directions without requiring separate independent mechanisms, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
2Reliability
If protrusions are added for positioning, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are pre-formed as integral parts of the toner cartridge housing structure, positioned in advance to guide and constrain the cartridge during the attachment process. This preliminary positioning action ensures reliable attachment to the developing unit without requiring additional adjustable or movable positioning components, thus improving reliability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables effective toner conveyance in both axial and intersecting directions, securely fixing the cartridge in the developing unit, enhancing operational efficiency and stability during attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The auger is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and configured to convey the toner from the second interior space to the first opening portion
Implementation Method 2
The agitator is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction and configured to agitate the toner in the first interior space and convey the toner from the first interior space to the second interior space
Data Source
AI summary
Toner cartridge includes a housing, an agitator, an auger, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The housing includes a first toner accommodating portion having and a second toner accommodating portion. The auger is rotatable about a second axis extending in a first direction and is configured to convey toner from a first toner accommodating portion to the second toner accommodating portion. The first protrusion is positioned at a first side of the second toner accommodating portion. The first protrusion extends in the first direction. The second protrusion is positioned at a second side of the second toner accommodating portion and extends in the first direction.